After a refreshing break in Devon for a few days I'm back to get us in the black for August!
1.00 Mark Williams to beat Mark Allen 10/11 (LOST 5-3 -5.98 - At 4-0 down it didnt look good, but at 4-3 Lazarus was in the house! Alas a missed black and the door was closed)
Mark Williams played more like Frank Williams at various points last season and relinquished his spot in the top 16, meaning he has to play the first round of many of the tournaments this season. But that extra match seems to have sharpened him up this week. To the point that he dispatched world number three Shaun Murphy 5-2 in the second round. Meanwhile his opponent today struggled past Dominic Dale 5-4. Williams' form last season is why the bookies have it as an even game, but he looks to be showing some of his old form and genuine talent, and that should be good enough to win today.
2.20 Lingfield Gracechurch 3/1 (2nd -6.98 - Unfortunately our man was caught a little naive and too far off the pace and couldnt get the horse up to catch the winner soon enough)
I wouldn't normally get involved in an Apprentice Handicap for £2000, but there is one apprentice out there who is currently ahead of the rest. Louis-Philippe Beuzelin has ridden 3 winners from his 26 runs so far, as well as another 9 horses he has steered home for place money. And of those that havent made the winners enclosure, he has often registered a finishing position better than the horse ranked in the betting ring - an important statistic when looking at apprentice jockeys, given they dont always get the best rides. Better judges than myself have seen fit to rate him - he has already ridden for Sir Michael Stoute, John Gosden and Saeed Bin Suroor amongst others - and it was Stoute who brought him over after seeinghim ride winners in the Caribbean. Look for another cool ride to make it 4 from 27.
6 Omonia Nicosia bt AEK Athens 11/4 (2-2 -7.98 - We were pretty unlucky there with taking the lead twice and AEK equalising late on just after Nicosia had hit the post!)
On first glance you wouldnt hesitate to say AEK Athens will win this match. The Greeks have a long history of European football and successfully negotiated the group stages of last year's UEFA Cup. But Greek club football isn't as strong as it is. You may also at first glance dismiss Cypriot football, but they have come on leaps and bounds in the last few years - particularly at home. In the European Championships qualifying the national side beat Ireland, Wales, Armenia and San Marino at home, and Germany to a 1-1 draw, and many of the Nicosia players make up the Cypriot national side. Nicosia won both legs of their previous round tie, not conceding at home, and then went and surprised a lot of people with a 1-0 victory in Athens. Bookies are still not prepared to dismiss the Greek's hostoric supremacy over Cyprus in footballing terms, so we should take advantage at 11/4 for the home side.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Football
What an appalling abject performance last night! Different manager, same lack of effort, creativity, and the same useless lumps like Heskey, Beckham and Lampard keep getting picked. Change the f*cking record!
7.45 Oxford bt Wrexham 12/5 (LOST 2-0 -4.98) -
Two promotion hopefuls whose form has gone different ways in the first 3 games. Wrexham fans must have thought this non-league lark would be easy when they thrashed Stevenage 5-0 on the opening day, but subsequent 1-0 defeat and 1-1 draw at Rushden have added a dose of reality. Oxford fans meanwhile would have been worried after not scoring in their first two games, but 6 goals by 5 different players against Eastbourne will have them hoping it was just early season peculiarities. And last season they didn't do draws away from home - 10 wins and 10 defeats. So you're almost betting 'draw no bet'! While Wrexham at home should be favourites, Oxford do have some momentum now and 12/5 looks a touch generous.
7.45 Oxford bt Wrexham 12/5 (LOST 2-0 -4.98) -
Two promotion hopefuls whose form has gone different ways in the first 3 games. Wrexham fans must have thought this non-league lark would be easy when they thrashed Stevenage 5-0 on the opening day, but subsequent 1-0 defeat and 1-1 draw at Rushden have added a dose of reality. Oxford fans meanwhile would have been worried after not scoring in their first two games, but 6 goals by 5 different players against Eastbourne will have them hoping it was just early season peculiarities. And last season they didn't do draws away from home - 10 wins and 10 defeats. So you're almost betting 'draw no bet'! While Wrexham at home should be favourites, Oxford do have some momentum now and 12/5 looks a touch generous.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Football
Apologies for no tips yesterday, especially I would have advised you to join me in tipping Christine Ohourougu, and as we were tripped up by Lolo Jones' stumble. But with Usain easing his way to 200m victory and the crazy situation of no racing in Britain this afternoon - it is the middle of bloody August!!!!! - that only leaves me with the football tonight.
8.00 England win to nil 6/4 (LOST -3.98 - What an appalling performance. No better than under MacLaren)
Fabio Capello's England havent exactly been thrilling to watch, but they have stopped leaking goals. The last three games have been 1-0, 2-0, 3-0 and while I dont expect that series to continue, I do expect captaincy rivals Terry and Ferdinand to keep the door firmly closed to Milan Baros. Expect England to win, as they do against most middling nations at Wembley, and so 1-0 or 2-0 have to be the scores to watch. You could back them each, but just in case the Czechs give up in the second half I'll go with a win to nil with Skybet, Paddy, or Ladbrokes.
8.00 England win to nil 6/4 (LOST -3.98 - What an appalling performance. No better than under MacLaren)
Fabio Capello's England havent exactly been thrilling to watch, but they have stopped leaking goals. The last three games have been 1-0, 2-0, 3-0 and while I dont expect that series to continue, I do expect captaincy rivals Terry and Ferdinand to keep the door firmly closed to Milan Baros. Expect England to win, as they do against most middling nations at Wembley, and so 1-0 or 2-0 have to be the scores to watch. You could back them each, but just in case the Czechs give up in the second half I'll go with a win to nil with Skybet, Paddy, or Ladbrokes.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Athletics, Cricket and Football
What a weekend! Makes you proud to be British. Now just to keep those convicts at bay for 3rd place in the medals table. But today is all about athletics, with a cricket bet which is likely to be rained off.
12.40 Jones to win 100m Hurdles 9/4 (7th -1.15 - all looked good til a late stumble cost her)
Lolo Jones ran the fastest time of the year just last month in qualifying for the Olympics. Bridgitte Foster-Hylton has matched that but not this year. Lolo has the semi at lunchtime today before the final tomorrow afternoon, but get on now for the value.
1.10 Saladino to win Long Jump 8/11 (WON -0.42 - too easy for Irving. Anytime anyone got close, he went further)
Irving Saladino this year jumped further than anyone has for 14 years, which in athletics is a long time! There are whispers Mike Powell's 8.95m 17 year old world record could be in danger in this final, but the result is barely in doubt as the Panamanian has jumped a whole foot further than anyone else this year. In qualifying he has two fouls so just made a safe 8.01m, but expect another couple of feet on that in the final.
1.45 Kent bt Derbyshire 4/9 (WON +0.02 - Derbyshire 60
Kent are unbeaten in their three Pro40 games this season, and were on top last Monday when the farce with the wind and the floodlights abandoned the game with Leicestershire. Derbyshire however, have only won one game. Some may doubt Kent having lost on Saturday but Rob Key's attitude will makes sure his charges are back fighting today, and I expect he and Joe Denly to make Derbyshire's bowlers toil - they went through a 4 day game last week versus Kent's easy build up to the final.
2.10 Kemboi to win 3000m Steeplechase 7/2 (LOST -1.02 - took the lead going into last lap but couldnt stay the pace)
Ezekiel Kemboi was 4th in his heat to qualify for the final in the fastest heat - his time was the 4th fastest of all three heats. But he has plenty in reserve - the three who just edged ahead of him all ran personal or season best times. He is second favourite to Richard Kipkemboi Mateelong but Kemboi is defending champion and has a PB 3 seconds quicker than the favourite. Expect him to ris to the occasion again today.
3 Clement win 400m Hurdles 5/4 (2nd -1.98 - Another who looked good coming into the straight but Angelo found another reserve)
Kerron Clement is the fastest man over this event since Kevin Young set his world record in Barcelona 16 years ago. This year he hasnt quite reached that tims, but he is one of only two men in the final go under 48 seconds. He won the world championships last year and ahs won all four Golden League, Super Grand Prix and Grand Prix races he has run this year. Expect this to cap things off.
7.45 Gash 1st goalscorer 9/1 (1/2 1-2-3) (LOST -2.98 - we got the result right, but not the bet unfortunately)
Ebbsfleet only have one point from 2 games and Torquay have four, hence why the Gulls are odds on tonight, but don't discount the visitors. Their defeat on Tuesday night came at a Rushden side who are looking to get back into the league, and the opening day draw was at relegated Mansfield, so tow of the best side's in the division. Similarly Torquay's 2-1 home victory were against early strugglers Woking who have lost all three so far, and Histon who just escaped relegation last season. The prices on the game have meant that first goalscorer odds are also skewed, and Ebbsfleet's favourite to score, Michael Gash, is available at 9/1 with Ladbrokes. He scored the first goal at Mansfield last week continuing his record of 27 in 29 goals last season in the Conference South for Cambridge. With Ladbrokes offering 1/2 odds for first three scorers he seems excellent value.
12.40 Jones to win 100m Hurdles 9/4 (7th -1.15 - all looked good til a late stumble cost her)
Lolo Jones ran the fastest time of the year just last month in qualifying for the Olympics. Bridgitte Foster-Hylton has matched that but not this year. Lolo has the semi at lunchtime today before the final tomorrow afternoon, but get on now for the value.
1.10 Saladino to win Long Jump 8/11 (WON -0.42 - too easy for Irving. Anytime anyone got close, he went further)
Irving Saladino this year jumped further than anyone has for 14 years, which in athletics is a long time! There are whispers Mike Powell's 8.95m 17 year old world record could be in danger in this final, but the result is barely in doubt as the Panamanian has jumped a whole foot further than anyone else this year. In qualifying he has two fouls so just made a safe 8.01m, but expect another couple of feet on that in the final.
1.45 Kent bt Derbyshire 4/9 (WON +0.02 - Derbyshire 60
Kent are unbeaten in their three Pro40 games this season, and were on top last Monday when the farce with the wind and the floodlights abandoned the game with Leicestershire. Derbyshire however, have only won one game. Some may doubt Kent having lost on Saturday but Rob Key's attitude will makes sure his charges are back fighting today, and I expect he and Joe Denly to make Derbyshire's bowlers toil - they went through a 4 day game last week versus Kent's easy build up to the final.
2.10 Kemboi to win 3000m Steeplechase 7/2 (LOST -1.02 - took the lead going into last lap but couldnt stay the pace)
Ezekiel Kemboi was 4th in his heat to qualify for the final in the fastest heat - his time was the 4th fastest of all three heats. But he has plenty in reserve - the three who just edged ahead of him all ran personal or season best times. He is second favourite to Richard Kipkemboi Mateelong but Kemboi is defending champion and has a PB 3 seconds quicker than the favourite. Expect him to ris to the occasion again today.
3 Clement win 400m Hurdles 5/4 (2nd -1.98 - Another who looked good coming into the straight but Angelo found another reserve)
Kerron Clement is the fastest man over this event since Kevin Young set his world record in Barcelona 16 years ago. This year he hasnt quite reached that tims, but he is one of only two men in the final go under 48 seconds. He won the world championships last year and ahs won all four Golden League, Super Grand Prix and Grand Prix races he has run this year. Expect this to cap things off.
7.45 Gash 1st goalscorer 9/1 (1/2 1-2-3) (LOST -2.98 - we got the result right, but not the bet unfortunately)
Ebbsfleet only have one point from 2 games and Torquay have four, hence why the Gulls are odds on tonight, but don't discount the visitors. Their defeat on Tuesday night came at a Rushden side who are looking to get back into the league, and the opening day draw was at relegated Mansfield, so tow of the best side's in the division. Similarly Torquay's 2-1 home victory were against early strugglers Woking who have lost all three so far, and Histon who just escaped relegation last season. The prices on the game have meant that first goalscorer odds are also skewed, and Ebbsfleet's favourite to score, Michael Gash, is available at 9/1 with Ladbrokes. He scored the first goal at Mansfield last week continuing his record of 27 in 29 goals last season in the Conference South for Cambridge. With Ladbrokes offering 1/2 odds for first three scorers he seems excellent value.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Racing and Cycling
Yesterday's tennis was held over and took some time to finish so apologies for today's late post.
7.45 Catterick Fire Up The Band 2/1 (5th -1.98 - stumbled out the stalls and then failed to get close at the business end)
This 9 year old was running at Royal Ascot two years ago and at Goodwood and the Derby meeting last year. He has now dropped to sellers and claimers this year and has performed best on softer ground, with 2 second places on GS and Soft, both by just half a length. 2/1 is not overly generous, but it wont take much to see off the rest of these.
9.50am Chris Hoy to win Keirin 5/6 (WON -1.15 - too easy for the machine on a bike. Knight him!)
Chris Hoy was awesome in the team sprint today, showing the power he has used so effectively to win 24 consecutive Keirin events, including a World Championship and one on this track. British cycling is in ridiculous health and there will be three more medals tomorrow - of which Hoy will be one.
GB to get 7 or more golds on Saturday 13/8 (WON -0.15 - Hills paid out as postponements still count if replayed within a week!)
Hills have provided a special market on Golden Saturday as it will be known. As mentioned above Hoy will win, Bradley Wiggins showed why he is so odds on to win the mens pursuit. And one of the two GB girls who qualified first and second in the womens pursuit will complete the cycling trio. Ben Ainslie and the Yngling girls are all set for gold in the sailing, as is Rebecca Adlington in her favoured event in the pool looking to double her personal tally steering with her nose. The coxless four look superior to any other boat on the water and there are also a handful of other boats in finals tomorrow. Kelly Southerton may still reach top spot in the heptathlon despite a poor high jump today too. So barring a disaster, admittedly which GB tend to specialise in, there should be seven plus renditions of God Save The Queen tomorrow in Beijing.
7.45 Catterick Fire Up The Band 2/1 (5th -1.98 - stumbled out the stalls and then failed to get close at the business end)
This 9 year old was running at Royal Ascot two years ago and at Goodwood and the Derby meeting last year. He has now dropped to sellers and claimers this year and has performed best on softer ground, with 2 second places on GS and Soft, both by just half a length. 2/1 is not overly generous, but it wont take much to see off the rest of these.
9.50am Chris Hoy to win Keirin 5/6 (WON -1.15 - too easy for the machine on a bike. Knight him!)
Chris Hoy was awesome in the team sprint today, showing the power he has used so effectively to win 24 consecutive Keirin events, including a World Championship and one on this track. British cycling is in ridiculous health and there will be three more medals tomorrow - of which Hoy will be one.
GB to get 7 or more golds on Saturday 13/8 (WON -0.15 - Hills paid out as postponements still count if replayed within a week!)
Hills have provided a special market on Golden Saturday as it will be known. As mentioned above Hoy will win, Bradley Wiggins showed why he is so odds on to win the mens pursuit. And one of the two GB girls who qualified first and second in the womens pursuit will complete the cycling trio. Ben Ainslie and the Yngling girls are all set for gold in the sailing, as is Rebecca Adlington in her favoured event in the pool looking to double her personal tally steering with her nose. The coxless four look superior to any other boat on the water and there are also a handful of other boats in finals tomorrow. Kelly Southerton may still reach top spot in the heptathlon despite a poor high jump today too. So barring a disaster, admittedly which GB tend to specialise in, there should be seven plus renditions of God Save The Queen tomorrow in Beijing.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Olympic Tennis Double
A quiet summer Thursday, so not much to choose from. But gearing up for the athletics starting tomorrow in Beijing, and finally seeing the end of that gormless swimmer. Greatest Olympian? Do me a favour. Its time they got rid of all those strokes in swimming - its like Ministry of Silly Walks! Just who can swim x metres fastest gets gold. End of.
10 Gonzalez & Safina Double 2/1 (WON -0.98 - Gonzo was taken to 11-9 in the third set and Safina was taken to 3 sets but both are now in the finals)
You may by now have guessed I think Fernando Gonzalez has a chance of winning a medal. He has looked strong so far and the key to his game has been his return of serve and break point conversion as a result. Both he and Paul-Henri Mathieu, his opponent today, win 2 out of 3 points on their own serve and Gonzo has saved 66% of break points to Mathieu's 63%. But Gonzo wins 1 in 4 return games, to the Frenchman's 1 in 5, converting 44% of break points versus 35%. I expect this trend to continue today.
The value in the double comes from Dinara Safina taking on number one ranked Jelena Jankovic. But Safina triumphed in their only meeting this year, and on grass last year Jankovic won, but only by 8-6 in a 3rd set tie break. Safina has looked much more assured in this competition, so well worth your money.
10 Gonzalez & Safina Double 2/1 (WON -0.98 - Gonzo was taken to 11-9 in the third set and Safina was taken to 3 sets but both are now in the finals)
You may by now have guessed I think Fernando Gonzalez has a chance of winning a medal. He has looked strong so far and the key to his game has been his return of serve and break point conversion as a result. Both he and Paul-Henri Mathieu, his opponent today, win 2 out of 3 points on their own serve and Gonzo has saved 66% of break points to Mathieu's 63%. But Gonzo wins 1 in 4 return games, to the Frenchman's 1 in 5, converting 44% of break points versus 35%. I expect this trend to continue today.
The value in the double comes from Dinara Safina taking on number one ranked Jelena Jankovic. But Safina triumphed in their only meeting this year, and on grass last year Jankovic won, but only by 8-6 in a 3rd set tie break. Safina has looked much more assured in this competition, so well worth your money.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Cricket, Racing and Football
Getting back towards flat again. A winner today and we're back in the black...
4.40 Michael Lumb to topscore for Hampshire 4/1 (LOST -1.98 - Typical. We get on and he scores 1 run!)
Michael Lumb is fast becoming another journeyman of county cricket, but of late he has switched well to the 40 over format. Hampshire were 31 runs short of Notts 231 last month, but Lumb still scored 63 of the 200, at just shy of a run a ball; and then scored 88 off 91 balls in the 236 target his side set Gloucs in 35 overs on Sunday. Both were easily the highest scores on the Hampshire card, and he is available at 4/1 in a number of places.
8.10 Sandown Riverscape 4/1 (4th -2.98 - looked like the winner 1.5f from home but weakened on the run-in. Maybe prefers the quicker ground)
This is pretty much a rematch from 2 weeks ago over course and distance when Riverscape finished a neck clear of Rock Peak, 2l clear of Silk Mill who carries 2lbs more but Kirsty claims 3lbs, and a further 4l clear of Tyrells Wood who carries 2lbs less. So I expect it to be between Riverscape and Rock Peak again and with Riverscape improving, while Rock Peak is still dropping to find his level, I'll take the favourite.
And one of my rare long-term bets. The Premiership is down to your own opinion. For me its Chelsea as they had a lot of hurdles to overcome last year, still finished only 2 points off United, and have improved their squad again this year. But the best bet for me is in the goalscoring department. Darren Bent was an excellent striker, which is why Spurs shelled out £18m for him. However, a poor start by the team in general and a lack of goals for Bent weighed on his confidence and his spot in the side last season. But that hasn't made him a bad striker, and to prove that in pre-season he has netted 13 goals. With Berbatov set to leave he will be Ramos' first choice and with David Bentley adding to the creation of chances, Bent could soon be justifying that price tag, without it weighing on his shoulders this season. There are question marks over all the other market leaders - will Torres play enough Premier League games? Ronaldo cant do it again can he? Which Adebayor will we see - early or late season? Tevez/Ronaldo/Berbatov will rotate too much? And with 1/4 odds for the first 4, 25/1 seems a cracking bet.
4.40 Michael Lumb to topscore for Hampshire 4/1 (LOST -1.98 - Typical. We get on and he scores 1 run!)
Michael Lumb is fast becoming another journeyman of county cricket, but of late he has switched well to the 40 over format. Hampshire were 31 runs short of Notts 231 last month, but Lumb still scored 63 of the 200, at just shy of a run a ball; and then scored 88 off 91 balls in the 236 target his side set Gloucs in 35 overs on Sunday. Both were easily the highest scores on the Hampshire card, and he is available at 4/1 in a number of places.
8.10 Sandown Riverscape 4/1 (4th -2.98 - looked like the winner 1.5f from home but weakened on the run-in. Maybe prefers the quicker ground)
This is pretty much a rematch from 2 weeks ago over course and distance when Riverscape finished a neck clear of Rock Peak, 2l clear of Silk Mill who carries 2lbs more but Kirsty claims 3lbs, and a further 4l clear of Tyrells Wood who carries 2lbs less. So I expect it to be between Riverscape and Rock Peak again and with Riverscape improving, while Rock Peak is still dropping to find his level, I'll take the favourite.
And one of my rare long-term bets. The Premiership is down to your own opinion. For me its Chelsea as they had a lot of hurdles to overcome last year, still finished only 2 points off United, and have improved their squad again this year. But the best bet for me is in the goalscoring department. Darren Bent was an excellent striker, which is why Spurs shelled out £18m for him. However, a poor start by the team in general and a lack of goals for Bent weighed on his confidence and his spot in the side last season. But that hasn't made him a bad striker, and to prove that in pre-season he has netted 13 goals. With Berbatov set to leave he will be Ramos' first choice and with David Bentley adding to the creation of chances, Bent could soon be justifying that price tag, without it weighing on his shoulders this season. There are question marks over all the other market leaders - will Torres play enough Premier League games? Ronaldo cant do it again can he? Which Adebayor will we see - early or late season? Tevez/Ronaldo/Berbatov will rotate too much? And with 1/4 odds for the first 4, 25/1 seems a cracking bet.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Olympic Special - Football, Tennis and Basketball
Not the best start to the month, but a few alternative bets today to get us on the move.
10 Brazil to beat Nigeria & Germany bt Korea Double 12/13 (WON -1.08 - Brazil cruised while Germany required a late winner)
A women's football double for you here. This is the last round of games in the group stages and so far Brazil drew with Germany and both sides then beat each other's opposition, so when playing the other team today, its fair to assume two more victories for the more established women's football nations - either of whom has a good shout for winning the gold medal.
11.30 Nalbandian & Gonzalez Double 11/10 (WON +0.02 - two straightforward straight sets victories)
Another Olympic double, in the tennis this time. Despite semmingly being around for a long time now, David Nalbandian is still only 26 and ranked 8th in the world. Four years ago Nicolas Massu was ranked 9th but has been on a downward spiral since and is now a lowly 125th, although the last time they played was at the height of Massu's form and Nalbandian won both the last two ties. So he can be expecting a straightforward victory.
Marian Cilic beat Fernando Gonzalez in 4 sets at the Australian Open back in January, but since then the form has gone in different directions. Gonzo has picked up two titles and won over 70% of his matches, while the Croat has just about won more than he has lost, so it seems it is that win in Melbourne and a recent Masters Series quarter final in Canada that is helping us get 8/11 about the Spaniard. So take advantage and double it up to get an odds against return.
3.15 Australia bt Argentina 9/2 (LOST -0.98 - 3-pointers again. This time Australia's fault only making 2 of 13 attempts. A reasonable 50% strike rate would have made it very close)
Both these basketball teams lost their opening games, so will be looking to make amends today. Australia were beaten by 15 points by Croatia but finished strongly, having been hammered by the Croats 75% success rate on 3-point attempts! A more normal success rate would have seen a much closer game. The Argies werent firing on all cyclinders either going down to Lithuania by a handful of points, so it may well come down to who can bounce back the better, as thre was only 4 points between these teams in a warm-up tournament a fortnight ago. So 9/2 looks a big price for a reversal.
10 Brazil to beat Nigeria & Germany bt Korea Double 12/13 (WON -1.08 - Brazil cruised while Germany required a late winner)
A women's football double for you here. This is the last round of games in the group stages and so far Brazil drew with Germany and both sides then beat each other's opposition, so when playing the other team today, its fair to assume two more victories for the more established women's football nations - either of whom has a good shout for winning the gold medal.
11.30 Nalbandian & Gonzalez Double 11/10 (WON +0.02 - two straightforward straight sets victories)
Another Olympic double, in the tennis this time. Despite semmingly being around for a long time now, David Nalbandian is still only 26 and ranked 8th in the world. Four years ago Nicolas Massu was ranked 9th but has been on a downward spiral since and is now a lowly 125th, although the last time they played was at the height of Massu's form and Nalbandian won both the last two ties. So he can be expecting a straightforward victory.
Marian Cilic beat Fernando Gonzalez in 4 sets at the Australian Open back in January, but since then the form has gone in different directions. Gonzo has picked up two titles and won over 70% of his matches, while the Croat has just about won more than he has lost, so it seems it is that win in Melbourne and a recent Masters Series quarter final in Canada that is helping us get 8/11 about the Spaniard. So take advantage and double it up to get an odds against return.
3.15 Australia bt Argentina 9/2 (LOST -0.98 - 3-pointers again. This time Australia's fault only making 2 of 13 attempts. A reasonable 50% strike rate would have made it very close)
Both these basketball teams lost their opening games, so will be looking to make amends today. Australia were beaten by 15 points by Croatia but finished strongly, having been hammered by the Croats 75% success rate on 3-point attempts! A more normal success rate would have seen a much closer game. The Argies werent firing on all cyclinders either going down to Lithuania by a handful of points, so it may well come down to who can bounce back the better, as thre was only 4 points between these teams in a warm-up tournament a fortnight ago. So 9/2 looks a big price for a reversal.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Football and Racing
7.45 Sandaza to score first goal e/w 11/2 (LOST -1.00 - The Accies flew out the blocks and were impressive, especially coming back from 1-0 down against the run of play)
Dundee United finished fifth last season despite falling away towards the end as injuries, suspensions and rearranged matches took their toll. And Craig Levein has made some shrewd signings to enhance that squad. The one he'll be hoping can really come up trumps is the 23 year old, 6ft 2in Spanish centre forward Fran Sandaza, signed from Valencia where he scored 23 goals for their reserves. Hamilton havn't been in the top flight since 1989 and, I therefore think the bookies are offering fair odds on Dundee United, but a bet on Sandaza to net in that victory should reap better rewards. He has cored three goals in pre-season including the only goal in last week's final warm-up away at Plymouth. Corals are offering 11/2 for him to get the first goal again and offer each way terms of 1/3 odds on first five scorers.
8.20 Windsor Compton Charlie 4/1 (5th -2.00 - Went off 11/4 fav but couldn't go with the front two and ended up finishing alongside Mixing)
This gelding has been very consistent this season, with a win and two second places in his five runs, and each time looks better for the run. With the favourite now having pulled out and the topweight still carrying too much weight, Pat Cosgrave could steer this home for his second victory. Kirsty is the danger on Mixing - a reasonable each way shout at 7s.
Dundee United finished fifth last season despite falling away towards the end as injuries, suspensions and rearranged matches took their toll. And Craig Levein has made some shrewd signings to enhance that squad. The one he'll be hoping can really come up trumps is the 23 year old, 6ft 2in Spanish centre forward Fran Sandaza, signed from Valencia where he scored 23 goals for their reserves. Hamilton havn't been in the top flight since 1989 and, I therefore think the bookies are offering fair odds on Dundee United, but a bet on Sandaza to net in that victory should reap better rewards. He has cored three goals in pre-season including the only goal in last week's final warm-up away at Plymouth. Corals are offering 11/2 for him to get the first goal again and offer each way terms of 1/3 odds on first five scorers.
8.20 Windsor Compton Charlie 4/1 (5th -2.00 - Went off 11/4 fav but couldn't go with the front two and ended up finishing alongside Mixing)
This gelding has been very consistent this season, with a win and two second places in his five runs, and each time looks better for the run. With the favourite now having pulled out and the topweight still carrying too much weight, Pat Cosgrave could steer this home for his second victory. Kirsty is the danger on Mixing - a reasonable each way shout at 7s.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)